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Community Garden

Ansford Academy

Ansford Academy is a thriving secondary school of around 500 students, committed to

helping young people achieve their best both academically and personally. Through its

motto, Learning Together to Lead Our Lives, the school encourages students to develop

the skills, character and confidence to make a positive contribution to their communities.

Behind the pot: Created using leftover art supplies and displayed in a rucksack, this is a cheerful back-to-school special.

Brue Valley Rotary Club

Rotary Club of Brue Valley is part of a global network of more than 1.2 million members

who believe in service, leadership, friendship and see a world where people unite and

take action to create lasting impact across the globe and in our communities. Behind the pot: A colourful nod to the Cary in Bloom theme of Painting the Town Yellow, celebrating the Rotary Club’s key role in our community.

Cary Brook

Cary Brook offers day care for older adults, providing companionship, activities and

personalised support in a friendly and caring setting. The service helps people stay

connected and maintain their independence while offering reassurance to families and

carers. Behind the pot: Planted by the wonderful carers at Cary Brook with their residents very much in mind.

Cary Cares

Cary Cares is a community-funded charity supporting local people through its

community larder and grant programme for local projects and groups. Working to

reduce food waste as well as hardship, the charity redistributes surplus food and

essential items while providing practical support across the town.

Behind the Pot: The plants in this display were donated by Lidl in Wincanton after they

could no longer be sold in store. Nurtured back to health by Cary Cares volunteers, they demonstrate how a little care can transform something overlooked into something that brings colour, fragrance and enjoyment to the community.

CARY GOOD THINGS

A modern, community‑driven platform spotlighting the people, places, independent businesses and stories that define Castle Cary and our wonderful corner of Somerset. We strive to strengthen community pride, increase visibility for small businesses, create connection and foster meaningful communication whilst giving residents and visitors a beautifully crafted way to discover all our town has to offer. We do this through a fully accessible Community Calendar; a WhatsApp Group and a social media presence across Instagram and FB. Connecting Good People with Good Things! Behind the Pot: Our planter celebrates the natural beauty of Somerset with a vibrant mix of pollinator-friendly blooms – Achillea, Erigeron, Salvia, Chamomile, Astrantia, Feverfew, Borage and Delphinium. Each plant brings its own beauty and purpose, coming together to create something colourful, welcoming and full of life – a reflection of the vibrant, connected community we’re proud to celebrate.

Caryford Community Hall

Caryford Hall is a community hub serving Castle Cary, Ansford and the surrounding

area. Run as a charity, it provides affordable space for local groups, activities, events

and celebrations, helping bring people together and supporting community life. Behind the pot: Designed to complement the beautiful sunflower display at Caryford Hall, this pot is an ode to traditional planting schemes.

Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society

Castle Cary Carnival is a volunteer-led organisation that brings the community together through its annual Children's and Illuminated Carnival processions. Fundraising events throughout the year help support these much-loved celebrations while also raising vital funds for local charities and community groups. Behind the pot: Full of fun, flags and colour, this pot captures the joyful spirit of Carnival

Castle Cary Allotments

The Castle Cary Allotments Association provides a valuable space for local people to

grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers, while sharing knowledge, skills and a love

of gardening. ‘A vital, organic resource for a growing community.’

Behind the Pot: Inspired by Chelsea Physic Garden, this Cary in Bloom display features

cascading sages, rosemaries and thymes surrounding a trio of bee-friendly salvias. A

rogue Luzula nivea has also made an appearance - because, as every allotment holder knows, what grows on your plot isn't always what you planted there!

Castle Cary Community Choir

Castle Cary Community Choir brings people together through a shared love of singing,

friendship and community spirit. Open to everyone with no auditions required, the choir performs locally and raises funds for charities and good causes throughout the area.

Behind the Pot: In true musical style, this display features chords (Cordillera), drum and bass (Astilbe Drum and Bass), violas and bells (Calibrachoa Triobells), all planted in

colours that "sing".

Castle Cary Community Primary School

Castle Cary’s Primary School is proud to be a community where children grow, flourish

and are inspired to make a difference.

Behind the Pot: Seven classes, seven flowers, one bright community.

Each yellow bloom has been planted by our children to represent every class in our

school, standing together to paint the town yellow. This pot celebrates friendship, hope, and teamwork; a reminder that when we all grow together, we make our community brighter.

Castle Cary Gardening Association

Castle Cary Gardening Association is a friendly group for anyone with an interest in

gardens and gardening. From experienced growers to complete beginners, members

come together to share ideas, learn new skills and celebrate a love of plants. Behind the pot: A true showpiece, worthy of a coveted rosette at their Annual Garden Show.

Castle Cary Methodist Church

Castle Cary Methodist Church is a welcoming Christian community whose mission is to worship God and make His love known. Through worship, fellowship and service, the church seeks to support people in faith while playing an active role in the wider community. Behind the Pot: This display is inspired by the Methodist Orb and Cross. The red planting represents the Orb and the power of the Holy Spirit, while white flowers symbolise the radiant Cross and the glory of the risen Christ. With no boundaries to the arms of the Cross, the design reflects the Methodist belief that God's grace is for everyone and extends outwards into the world.

Castle Cary Museum

Castle Cary Museum preserves and shares the rich history of the town and its people,

helping visitors explore the stories, industries and traditions that have shaped the local

community. Behind the Pot: The plants and their supports reflect some of the museum's displays and the stories they tell. The planting represents local industries including cider and ale production, wool and linen, medicinal herbs, and the legacy of Castle Cary-born Douglas Macmillan, founder of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Castle Cary Town Council

Castle Cary Town Council works on behalf of the community to help make the town a stronger, kinder and brighter place to live, work and thrive. By delivering local services, supporting community initiatives and planning for the future, the Council helps address the needs of Castle Cary and its residents.

Behind the pot: A simple yet effective nod to the town’s unity and the Painting the Town Yellow theme, planted by the incredible councillors who volunteer, campaign and help keep the community ticking over.

Castle Cary Cygnets Majorettes

Castle Cary Cygnets Majorettes are a long-established local troupe known for their

energetic performances and community spirit. Their vibrant displays of baton twirling,

pom-poms and flag skills are a highlight of local events and a particular favourite during

illuminated carnival processions. Behind the pot: Beautifully brought to life as a dancer, this pot captures the energy, spirit and sparkle of the incredible Majorettes.

Eat Cary

Eat Cary is a community charity that brings people together through growing, learning

and sharing. Through its community garden, educational activities and volunteering

opportunities, the organisation promotes sustainable food production, healthy living and care for the environment. Behind the pot: A true community creation, celebrating Eat Cary’s creativity and its vital role in providing a space for growing, friendship and learning.

Litterati

Litterati is a volunteer community group dedicated to keeping Castle Cary and Ansford clean, tidy and welcoming for everyone. Through regular litter-picking sessions and environmental initiatives, the group helps care for local spaces. Behind the pot: A nod to the resilient and consistent efforts of our volunteer litter pickers, who help make our community cleaner and brighter.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support was founded in Castle Cary by Douglas Macmillan in 1912

and has grown into one of the UK's leading cancer charities. The organisation provides

practical, emotional, medical and financial support to people living with cancer, as well

as their families and carers. Behind the pot: A tribute to the birthplace of founder Douglas Macmillan, whose connection to the town is marked by two official blue plaques.

Royal British Legion

Royal British Legion supports serving and former members of the Armed Forces

community, as well as their families. Through remembrance activities, fundraising and

community events, the branch helps ensure that the service and sacrifice of veterans

are recognised and supported. Behind the pot: A pot of remembrance, paying tribute to all servicewomen and men who have served our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them.

South-East Somerset Beekeepers Association

The Beekeepers Association promotes the craft of beekeeping and raises awareness of

the vital role bees and other pollinators play in the environment. Through education,

advice, training courses and community outreach, the group supports both beekeepers and the wider public in helping pollinators thrive. Behind the pot: A pot for the pollinators - the ultimate bee-friendly habitat!

The Memory Cafe

The Memory Café provides a welcoming space for people living with memory problems or dementia, and for their carers, to come together in a supportive environment. Through friendship, activities and shared experiences, the café helps reduce isolation while offering information, encouragement and community connection. Behind the pot: Planted in blue and yellow, the colours of the Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not campaign.

The Moat Garden

The Moat Garden is a community green space close to the town centre, open for

everyone to enjoy. Managed with sustainability in mind, it is a place of sunshine and shade, long grass and short, wild and tamed - a welcoming space to dig, sit, chat, watch, listen and connect with nature. Behind the pot: A miniature Moat Garden, complete with a woven wall, vegetable patch and rockery, using plants that naturally grow in its namesake garden.

The Talking Cafe

The Talking Café was established during the Covid lockdown to bring companionship

and connection to people living alone. Meeting every Friday at Castle Cary Market

House, the group provides a friendly space to chat over a cuppa, make new friends and

enjoy the company of others. Behind the pot: Grab a mug and have a chat - this is a pot designed to get people talking.

Toy Box

Toybox Pre-school has been providing high-quality early years care and education for

children aged 2 to 5 for more than 30 years. With a dedicated team and a nurturing

environment, the pre-school supports local families while helping children thrive. Behind the pot: A playful homage to last year’s Scarecrow Festival.

Youth Connect South-West

Youth Connect South West works with young people across the region, providing safe

and welcoming spaces where they can relax, make friends and take part in positive

activities. It's Castle Cary youth club helps support local young people while

encouraging community involvement and personal development.

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Let us know what you thought of our Community Garden!

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